The Chase star Mark Labbett has publicly defended host Bradley Walsh following significant viewer backlash over a controversial ruling during a recent episode of the popular ITV quiz programme. The incident, which occurred during a repeat broadcast, sparked outrage among fans who took to social media to express their frustration at what they perceived as an unfair decision.
Controversial Moment During High-Stakes Final Chase
During yesterday's repeat episode, Mark Labbett, known as The Beast on the show, faced off against two contestants in the final chase. Student Marsha and retired supply manager Ian were battling for a substantial £45,000 prize pot after having answered an impressive 18 questions correctly during their initial rounds.
The tense moment unfolded when both the Chaser and contestants were posed with a biblical question: "In the Bible, King David saw which beautiful woman bathing?" Mark Labbett incorrectly responded with "Jezebel", opening the door for the contestants to push him back with a correct answer.
Confusion Over Simultaneous Answers
What followed created the controversy that has since dominated discussions among The Chase's dedicated fanbase. Contestant Ian hesitated initially, stating "I can't think of anything", while Marsha interjected with "Helen". Almost simultaneously, Ian offered "Bathsheba", which was indeed the correct answer according to the biblical narrative.
Host Bradley Walsh was then faced with a difficult decision. He explained to the contestants and viewers: "Bathsheba is correct, however, Marsha without nomination looked at me and called the answer first, which was Helen. I have to accept the first answer and have to tell you that is wrong, we remain eight to catch."
Viewer Outrage and Social Media Reaction
The decision prompted immediate and passionate responses from viewers across social media platforms. One particularly angry viewer took to X to complain: "Disgraceful making rules up on the spot. Brad."
Another furious viewer wrote: "cheating b******s on #thechase. Both gave answers at the same time. So it should have been clarified which answer was to be taken. If Marsha hadn't been nominated as Walsh claimed, her answer should have been ignored."
Several viewers expressed sympathy for the contestants, with one commenting: "Now that was just cruel! Rematch needs to happen," while another simply stated: "Absolutely robbed." The sentiment was echoed by multiple fans who described the situation as "gutting", "brutal", and claimed the players had been unfairly "robbed" of their potential winnings.
Defence of the Decision
Not all viewers criticised the ruling, however. One person defended Bradley Walsh's decision, writing: "Marsha piped up with 'Helen' when Brad asked for the final answer, fractionally quicker than Ian with 'Bathsheba'. That's why the answer wasn't allowed. How I see it."
Another viewer offered a more technical perspective: "Technically, Marsha wasn't the spokesperson so her Helen answer should have been overlooked."
Mark Labbett's Public Defence of Bradley Walsh
Amid the growing controversy, Mark Labbett himself entered the conversation to defend his colleague. The Chase star took to X to clarify the situation, stating unequivocally: "I can guarantee that the adjudicator made that call rather than Brad."
This intervention from one of the show's most recognisable faces highlights the professional dynamics behind the scenes of the popular quiz programme. Labbett's defence suggests that Walsh was implementing a decision made by the show's official adjudicator rather than exercising personal discretion.
Addressing Claims of the Show Being "Fixed"
This incident comes against a backdrop of occasional speculation about the integrity of quiz shows. Mark Labbett has previously addressed suggestions that The Chase might be "fixed", remarking in past interviews: "We do have people say, 'They give you the answers though, right?' I always point out that we're all international quizzers, I mean, Anne is a two-time world ladies champion. They think you can't be that good and the answer is we are."
This defence of both the show's format and the genuine quiz expertise of its Chasers adds context to the current controversy, suggesting that rulings are made according to established procedures rather than arbitrary decisions.
The Continuing Popularity of The Chase
The strong viewer reaction to this incident demonstrates the passionate engagement that The Chase continues to generate among its audience. The show, which features alongside fellow Chasers Shaun Wallace, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan and Darragh Ennis, remains one of ITV's most successful quiz programmes.
Such controversies, while frustrating for contestants and some viewers, often serve to highlight the complex rules and high-pressure environment that make The Chase compelling viewing. The programme continues to air weekdays at 5pm on ITV1 and ITVX, maintaining its position as a staple of British television scheduling.
The incident serves as a reminder of the precise rules governing quiz shows and the difficult decisions that hosts must sometimes make in real-time situations. While viewers may disagree with specific rulings, the show's continued popularity suggests that such moments contribute to the drama and unpredictability that keeps audiences returning to The Chase.
